Articles Written by Katie

About Katie: Katie has been a product and textile designer, an art restoration specialist, and an interior designer/merchandiser. Her interests are focused on finding well designed items that improve daily life as well as reading fiction and making stuff. (View Profile)

Hollister Table

This Hollister Table is an affordable console option, and, correct me if I’m wrong, but it looks pretty good for the price. An iron base supports a natural wood top, and that’s about it. No frills, no fuss, just a table to fit in wherever you need an extra surface. Would it fit in your entryway as a landing pad for keys and mail? Maybe. Behind a sofa for displaying a few favorite objects? Certainly.(more…)

Ringtool

Nice! The Ringtool is a compact toolkit that lives on any standard keyring. Hardened stainless steel (strength + corrosion resistance) means it’ll withstand a rough and tumble world. It has five different Hexheads, a Flathead and Phillips Driver, a Torxhead, and two Spoke Wrenches, so it’s a good choice for any cyclist that would rather not lug around a bigger toolkit.(more…)

Nambu Cast Iron Tea Pot

As if you needed encouragement to purchase this Nambu cast iron kettle, greenergrassdesign is offering 20% off Nambu’s pieces until Saturday (coupon code “Nambu”). Designed by Makoto Koizumi, this kettle is made using traditional craftsmanship in the Iwate Prefecture of Japan. That craftsmanship goes back to the middle of the 17th century, so rest assured that this kettle will last for generations, and look exceptionally good while providing your daily cup or pot of tea. Be sure to check out other Nambu pieces: the Cast Iron Pan with Wooden Lid ($90) looks equally appealing.(more…)

Perseo Suspension Lamps

If you happen across the frosted version of the Perseo Suspension Lamp, you might assume at first glance that it is made of paper. Not a surprise, as Japanese paper lanterns were the inspiration behind these mouth blown Murano glass pendants. Now, considering each lamp is mouth blown, they aren’t inexpensive, however, considering their faceted surface and fragility, it’s easy to make sense of the price tags.(more…)

Gordon Stool

Yes, you could go the super modern route when choosing your barstools, or you could pick a softer, quieter option like the Gordon Stool. It could easily work with traditional or modern pieces, thanks to its no-fuss, ladder-like metal frame. The wood seat and feet are available in a natural (oak) finish and a lighter whitewash finish.(more…)

Alessi CrissCross Tray

If you’re going to buy a tray or basket to catch all of your miscellaneous clutter, please make it this CrissCross Tray by Eero Aarnio. It’s made anodized aluminum and is available in both natural and black (get the black). The size is perfect for handling all manner of large and medium-sized things- magazines, books, and mail, just to name a few.(more…)

Stack and Scare Block Set

Monster blocks! And done very well, I might add. This set of blocks with vibrant patterns of feet, hands, and heads will keep you and the little ones around you busy building all sorts of non-scary creatures. Should I be embarrassed that I want a set, and I don’t even have kids? Because I’m not. High five to whomever designed the illustrations. Bookmark it for your kid’s/niece’s/nephew’s next gift.(more…)

Stone Writer’s Block

If you’re forever misplacing your pencil and notepad, then maybe this Writer’s Block by Bower Studios will keep them close at hand. If you’re new to the Bower Studio (Danny Giannella and Tammer Hijazi) name, be sure to take a look at their work as they’ve got quite a few excellent products; we’ve featured their Shape Boards, Shape Mirrors, and Key Targets in the past few weeks.

Geometric Fire Pit

Remember this guy? It’s your best choice for a fire pit, in my humble opinion. For example, there’s this other Geometric Fire Pit ($998), which has a very similar shape, but it doesn’t have an optional wood top for coffee table use ($160-$222) or a grill top ($175-289) to make food part of the party. Those two additions make sense of the slight price difference, don’t you think? Choose between the Small or Large Geometric Fire Pit.(more…)

Jens Bench

Often entryways are too cramped for any kind of seating option, but if you have the luxury of space, you might as well add one in so that your family and guests have a spot to set their bags or take off their shoes. The Jens Bench, designed by (you guessed it) Jens Risom for DWR, features a cushion that can be positioned to the right, left, or center to allow for a built-in side table.(more…)

Twain, Berge, and Swift Catchalls

“If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything”- those wise words are by Mark Twain, and are written upon this glossy, ceramic catchall. A little encouragement never hurts, does it? There’s also the Bergé (“Embrace reality even if it burns you”) and the Swift Catchall (“He was a bold man that first eat an oyster”) for catching your odds and ends.(more…)

T.J. Wilcox In the Air Silk Scarf

If you pay attention to the art world, you might have heard of T.J. Wilcox and his panoramic film installation In the Air, 2013, at the Whitney Museum of American Art. If you haven’t, don’t worry, as that’s not a prerequisite to purchase a still printed on this 100% silk scarf you see above. However, do feel free to dazzle anyone who appreciates the scarf with your knowledge of the installation- they could probably use a little more ‘culture’.(more…)

Acapulco Multi Lounge Chair

Open the windows, get outside, you know the drill. Spring has sprung and now’s the time to enjoy the weather. This colorful Acapulco Lounge Chair is $229, and will prove to everyone that you’re not afraid of pink, aqua, and orange used in the same piece of furniture.(more…)

Nathalie Du Pasquier Cushions

Normally, one would tend to stay away from overly bright colors and busy patterns in interior settings to avoid looking too crazy, but that’s all forgotten once one sees the printed cushions by Nathalie Du Pasquier. Yes, the patterns are bright and busy, and that’s exactly their appeal- they just make sense.(more…)